Feeding mechanism for sewing-machines.



No. 662.479. Patenteduov. 27, |900.

.s. A. wEsT.

FEEDING MECHANISM FUR SEWING MACHINES.

(Application led Feb. 2B, 1898.I

2. aff@ Patented Nov. 27, i900.

S. A., WEST.

FEEDING MECHANISM FOR SEWING MACHINES.

(Application filed Feb. 28, 1898.)

4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

I(No Model.)

1H: nofws Penas ca, mom-muh. Mmmm, u. c4

Nn. 662,479. Patented Nov. 2 7, |900'. s. A. wEsT.

FEEDING MECHANISM FR SEIWING MACHINES.

1Applicston filed Feb. 2B, 1898.)

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 (No Model.)

44ml u,

I l X 13 www d. %W

BY m D Wl TNESSES IN VEN TH WSE/w A Trb/MEN' No. 662,475?.v PatentedNov. 27, 190D. y s. A.v wEsT.

FEEDING MECHANSM FR SEWING MACHINES. (Application filed Feb. 28, 1,898.)'(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

WITNESSES g/NVENTH agwm A p11 A mmf' STILLMAN A. VWEST, OF ROCHESTER,NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE UNION WELT INSOLE COMPANY.

FEEDING MECHAN'ISIVI fFI'OR SEWING-MACHINES.

srncrmcatrron ferns-ng leert of Lettere Patent No. 662,479, deteuNovember 2'?, 1960. Application filed February 28, 1898. Serial No.6721008. (No model.)

2b all whom t .may concern:

Be it known that I, STILLMAN A. WEST, a citizen of the United States,and a resident of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of NewYork, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inSewing-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

and it consists of certain novel features of im` provement hereinafterset forth.

One part of my invention has reference to four-motion feed mechanismsfor sewing-machines, including particular mechanisms comprising theupper feed, and while the invention is applicable to dierent forms ofsewing:

machines I have herein shown the same in connection with a machineembodying a lower feed mechanism of a preferred form.

Another part of the invention has reference to a cross-feed or means forvarying the distance of th'e stitches from the edge of the Work andwhich means are particularly adapted to the feed mechanisms hereinshown.

Figure lis a side View of a sewing-machine embodying my improvements,the overhanging arm or frame and the work-table being shown in dottedlines. Fig. 2 is a top plan view ofthe machine, the frame and work-tablebeingindicated by dotted lines, certain parts of the frame being removedin order to show more clearly the construction of the machine. Fig. 3 isan end elevation. Fig. el is a transverse section of the machine on thelines l 4 of Figs. l and 2. Fig. 5 is a similar View" on thelines 5 5 ofFigs. l and 2. Fig. Gis partly a sectional view on the line et et ofFig. 2 and4 partly an end elevation of the machine as seen from the samepoint as Fig. 3, said'view being on a larger scale than Fig. 3 andshow-` ing the movements of the devices comprising the upper feedmechanisms. Figs. 7, 8, 9, and l0 are diagrammatic views showingconsecutive positions of the presser-foot, the upper and lower feeddevices, and the needle, respectively, in a complete cycle of theiroperations. A

I williirst describe the devices comprising that part of m v inventionfirst above mentioned and shall then proceed with adescrip- .tion of itssecond feature.

In order that my invention may be more fully understood, I have shown inthe drawings a Wheeler da Wilson sewing-machine embodying my feedmechanism.

As shown in all of the figures ofthe drawings except Figs. 6 to lO,inclusive, A represents the work-table, upon which is mounted Thisinvention relates to sewing-machines;

the overhanging arm or frame A', which latter supports the usualneedle-bar, knife-bar, and presser-foot and the usual mechanisms foroperating these elements. Depending from the under side of thework-table, at or near the opposite longitudinal edges thereof, aresuitable lugs or hangers A2, which support suitable rock-shafts andother auxiliary parts of the machine hereinafter described.

Supported beneaththe work-tableAinsuitable bearings is the mainoperating or driving shaft B, which is driven in any suitable way andwhich operates in the usual manner a shuttle (not shown) in theshuttle-box Z. Said shaft B is preferably placed at the approximatetransverse center of the work-table A. Parallel to this shaft along theside of the machine and beneath the work-table is a rockshaft B',bearing three arms b', b1", and b, which rock therewith. The saidrock-shaft is supported with its axis in the same horizontal plane asthe axis of the said main driving-shaft B. At the right of the machinethe shaft B carries a cam B2, which is more clearly shown in Fig. 5,which cam works within and actuates a yoke B20, and this yoke is fittedupon a short rock-shaft B21, on which is also lixed, so as to rocktherewith, a block B22. Said block is grooved on one side and in thisgroove slides a block B23, bearing a pin B24, to which is xed one end ofa link B25, which operates the arm b and the shaft B, to which thelatter is attached'. In order to vary the extent of vibration of thesaid arm b, as well as to vary the degree to which the shaft B' isrocked, the block B23 is made adjustable toward and away from the axisof the said rockshaft B21, and while different means can be 9 employedto set or hold the block to either of its adjusted positions thefollowing-means are shown: Between the ends of the link B25 is pivotedto it one end of a link B26, the other end of which is pivoted at bz,Fig. 5, to the IOO free end of a movable arm B21, which is held in placeby a pin B2S. The pin B28 extends beyond the frame-A' and may be turnedand fastened by suitable well-known means (not shown in the drawings) ina position which will set the block B24 nearer to or farther from theaxis of the rock-shaft B21, and the setting of said pinA produces acorresponding change in the movementof the sliding block B22,which inturn changes the arc of vibration of the arm b', and in consequence theextent of the rocking movement of the shaft B'.

At the left end of the machine, as isvshown more clearly in Figs. 2 and3, is the arm Z911, which is fast upon the rock-shaft B' and has pivotedto it one end of a lower reciprocating feed-bar D. This latter extendsbeneath the work-table in a direction transverse to the machine andcarries at about its center the lower feed dog or block D', (see Fig.3,) which latter is roughened or serrated on its upper surface in theusual manner, so that it may take into the material or work to be fed.The other or free end of the lower feed-bar D' is movably supported in ablock or saddle D2, whose sides are flanged to constitute guides for thereciprocating movement of the said bar. This saddle is carried upon theend of an arm E',which in turn is fastened upon a rock-shaft E,withwhich it rocks. The said rock-shaft E is operated from the shaft B andis supported in lugs or hangers A2, which are pendent from thework-table on the side ofthe main shaft B which is opposite the saidshaft B', and its axis is in substantially the same horizontal plane asthe center of the pivotal connection between the arm Z711 and the lowerfeed-bar D. By thus disposing the centers the parts operate in moreperfect union. There is no binding and. no lost motion. Similar resultsare also derived from a like disposition of the rockshaft B' relative tothe main driving-shaft B.

VAs shown in Fig. 4, the rock-shaft E is actuated by a yoke E2 upon theend of an arm E5, which is rigidly connected with the shaft. Said yokeengages with a cam E3, which is fixed infposition on the driving-shaftB. As the drivin g-shaft revolves the said rock-sh aft is rocked by thismechanism and the saddle D2 rises once for each revolution of the said.driving-shaft, and the lower feed deviceis thus moved up and down.

On one side of the overhanging frame A' is supported a pair of levers CG', each of which is independently pivoted to the said frame midwaybetween its ends at c and c. The adjacent ends of these levers are alsopivoted together by means of a pin O10, fixed on one lever, which entersa slot C11 in the other, thereby forming a movable connection. The saidlevers are so disposed as to bring the forward end of the lever C'beneath an arm c2, (see Eig. 3,) carried by a collar C2, secured to thepresser-foot rod C2, which has at its lower end the presser-foot O4. Thesaid presserfoot rod is normally held downward by a salive spring O5 andis raised during the operationI of the machine by the action of thelevers C C'. The levers C C' are operated by the main shaft B by meansof a rod C0, which is attached to and passes downward from the free endof the lever C through the work-table and beneath the tableengages withthe free end of an arm C8. 'lhis latter arm is journaled loosely uponthe rock-shaft B'. The

CS the collar C7. The main shaft B is provided with a cam B20, (seedotted linesin Fig. 5,) which in each revolution of the said shaftpresses upward against the arm O0, thereby lifting it, and also the rodG0, by the engagement of the arm C8 with the collar on the rod C0. Theinner end of the arm C' is in consequence depressed and its outer endraised and the presser-foot C4 elevated against the tension of thespring on the presser-foot rod C3. The parts are so arranged and timedin the operations that the presser-foot is forced down upon the work, soas to hold it while the needle is being withdrawn from it and while thelower feed-bar is returning to t-ake a new grasp upon the goods on theunder side.

My invention herein described comprises an upper feed mechanism, which,while being well adapted to the lower feed mechanism above described, isalso adapted to otherlower feed mechanisms, both those having ahorizontal and those having a vertical reciproeating motion to effectthe feed of the goods or work operated upon. l arrange my improved upperfeed mechanism upon the top of the work-table A. The main axis or shaftG' is parallel to the shafts B, B', and E. Upon said axis or shaft G' isswung or suspended a frame G10, having bearings for the upper feed-shaftH, which has upon its end the arm H', which latter bears the upperfeeddog 710. The feed-dog h0 is in vertical alinement with the lowerfeeddog D'. The upper feed-shaft H is a rock-shaft and has dependingfrom it an arm h, which is connected to the varm 510 on the rock-shaftB' by means of the link h', which is pivoted at one end to said arm hand at its other end to the said arm Z710. This link reciprocates in adirect line transversely of the work-table as well as in unison with thelower reciprocating feed-bar D. As the link is moved to and fro by therocking of the shaft B' the shaft H is rocked through the medium of thearm h and the upper feed-dog h0 is moved with thelower feeddog D'. Inits normal position the frame G10 is substantiallyhorizontal, lbut it isrocked vertically on its shaft G' by means of a link G2, which ispivoted at its lower end to the yoke-arm E5 and at its upper end to theend of a horizontal arm G2, loosely journaled on the shaft G' of theframe G10. As Vthe link rises and falls with the movements of the yokeE2 the outerend of the arm G8 rises and falls with it.

said rod C0 has seciired to it above the. arm

The frame G10, in which the` IOO IIO

IZO

`shaft H is hung, carries a spring g, which is secured thereto by meansof screws g2, (see Fig. 2,) and the free end of the spring extends overand rests upon the arm G3 at-or near its outer end, thus oifering ayielding pressure. The purpose of said spring is to furnish a yieldingconnection between the operating devices and the upper feed-dog, so thatthe vertical movements of said dog admit goods or work of increasedthickness to be fed with as great facility as goods of but ordinarythickness. lt is evident in this connection that other means could beused for this purpose, and I do not limit myself to the specificconstruction and arrangementshown. As the arm G3 rises it presses uponthe end of said spring, which being being secured to the frame G10depresses the latter and with it the shaft H. Passing through the saidfratrie G10 at the top is a vertical setscrew g', which engages at itslower end with a step or lug Q10, formed on the inner end of thehorizontal arm G3, and as the link G2 descends the said step or lug Q10cornes in contact with the said set-screw, raising with it the frameG10, together with the shaft Hand the upper feed'- dog h1). Other meansfor thus raising and lowering the upper feed devices could be used, andI am therefore not limited to the use of the particular means hereinshown. By referring to Fig. 6 it will be seen that when the upperfeed-dof.,r 71.0 is .raised to the highest position shown in dottedlines in said figure and goods of considerable thickness are insertedbeneath said dog the dog will descend and press upon the work withoutbecoming' jammed or caught and without jamming or locking any of theworking parts, and thus stopping the machine and perhaps breaking it.These advantages result from the yielding connection between the frameG10 and the horizontal arm G3.

An upper feedmechanism is thus devised that can be used in sewingseveral layers of material to each other, and is particularly valuablein the manufacture of shoes in'which it is necessary that the feed ofthe upper and lower layers shall be exactly the same in order that thereshall oe no wrinkling or curvature ofthe layers when sewed together. Insewing` together layers of material having smooth surfaces, which areapt to slip upon each other, it is necessary that the upper and lowerfeeds should be uniform and accurately timed to each other in graspingand releasing the material, and this I accomplish effectually by myinvention. Moreover, it is necessary that the needle should pass throughthe material to make the stitch at the end of the feeding stroke, andthe presser-foot must descend and hold the material while the needle isbeing withdrawn from it and while the upper and lower feed-dogs aremaking their return motion to take a new grasp upon the said material,which I accomplish by my device. The timing of the different operationsis essential to the proper working of the mechanisms In this behalf itwill be seen that the arms U, b1, and b11are substantially parallel toeach other and operate from the same shaft and that the arms Z910 andZ211, actuated from the same shaft B, operate the upperand lower feedsin their' feeding and return motions. A single rock-shaft E causes thesaid feeds to approach and separate from each other in order to firstgrasp and then release the work. Both the rock-shaft B/ andtherock-shaft E are driven from and by the driving-shaft B, and theirmotions are timed, therefore, exactly to each other, so that the upperand lower feeds move together in the one direction and return togetherin the opposite direction by operation of the-shaft B. At the same timesaid feeds also approach each other and separate from each other bysimultaneous movements produced by the said rock-shaft E.

The needle-bar J is operated in the usual manner by mechanism not fullyshown, because well known. The relative positions of the need le-bar,the presser-foot and the upper and lower feeds at dierent stages in theoperationof the machine are shown in Figs. 7 to l0, inclusive. In Fig. 7the presser-foot C1 is shown upon the workX, holdingit firmly upon thework-table A, and the upper feeddog h1 and the lower feed-dog D areshown in their most retracted positions, ready to move toward the leftin order to produce a feeding movement of the work. The said dogs areshown in their most widely-separated positions in this figure. In Fig. 8the presserfoot GL1 is lifted from the work, and the upper and lowerfeeddogs are at the beginning of their engagement with the work readyfor a feeding movement in the direction of the arrow in said figures. InFig. 9 the feeding-dogs are shown after they have accomplished theirfull feeding movement.- At this time, while the dogs are momentarily atrest, the needle suddenly comes down and makes a stitch. At the sametime the presser-foot (J1 also comes down in order to hold the work inplace upon the table. The needle-bar then rises quickly to the positionshown in dotted lines in said Fig. 9. In Fig. l0 the presser-foot isshown still holdingthe goods upon the table, the needle being in anelevated position and the upper and lower feed devices having againseparated, ready for their return move ments.'

The cams B2 and E3, by which the rock'- shafts B' and E are operated,and the cam B311, by which the presser-foot rod C3 is lifted, are shownin their' relative positions in Figs. 4t and It will be seen that thecam E3 has a short operating-surface for engaging with the two arms ofthe yoke E2, whereby the yoke is suddenly lifted into the position shownin Fig. 4 in order to lower the upper feed-dog and simultaneously liftthe lower feed-dog, so that the two corresponding devices quickly IOOIIO

IZO

grip the Work between them at the beginning of the feeding movementsthereof. The operating-surface b2 of the cam B2 is comparatively long,amounting to a little less than one-quarter of a revolution and whensaid surface is acting upon an arm of the yoke B20 holds the yokestationary either in the raised or lowered position, because saidsurface is drawn on a center from the axis of the shaft B. When thecam-surface passes from engagement with the upper arm of the yoke, thefeeding movement has occurred, and when said surface acts upon the lowerarm of the yoke the return movement of the feedingdogs is produced, andduring both the feed and return movements of the dogs sufficient time isgiven for these complete movements by the length of the face b2. The camE3 has its operating-face also drawn from its center of revolution,audits operation for separating and bringing` together the feed-dogs issimilar to that of the cam B2. The proper time is thereby given to thefeeding movements of the upper and lower feed devices through theconnections from the shaft B andA cams B2 and E2 to these devices. Thecam B20, which operates the arm CS and lifts the presser-foot rodagainst the tension of its spring C5, has a very shortactuating-surface, as seenr in dotted lines in Fig. 5, and is set uponthe shaftI B, so as to lead both the cams B30 and B2, which'operate inthe order named. This lead, however, is but slight, and as theoperating-surface of the cam is very short the presser-foot and its rodare quickly lifted at the instant or immediately before the feedingdevices grip the work and begin to move the same forward.

The cam B2, which operates the yoke B20, is-set so as to act slightlybehind the cam E3 in point of time, the main driving-shaft B turning inthe direction indicated by the arrows in Figs. 4 and 5.

On reference to the drawings it will be seen that the axes of shafts B,B', E, and G are I parallel and the actuating mechanism is disposedentirely beneath the bed-plate or worktable, and the operations of theseveral parts are substantially as if working on one and the same centerof motion. In my device there is no lost motion, and no binding canoccur, and the wear and strain are equally distributed throughout. Themovements ofthe separating devices for the feed-dogs are uniform andpositive, except that the spring connection vtherein prevents jamming onthick or wrinkled work, and the feeding strokes of said dogs arevariable simultaneously and exactly to the same degree through a singleadjusting device, and consequently there can be no variation between themovements of the upper and under feeds relative to each other. Thehorizontal or feeding and return movements of the said feed devices arederived from a single rock-shaft operated from the main shaft by veryshort and direct-acting movable connections, and the vertical orgrasping and releasing movements thereof are derived from a similarshaft and short movable connections. These different movements are, ineffect, simultaneous and are properly timed with reference to eachother, as already explained.

My invention also relates to a cross-feed or i means for adj ustablyregulating the distance of the stitches from the edge of the work. Inthe form shown K is an adjustable guide having a finger or plate ZCvertical with reference to the work-table and in a plane parallel to thetransverse movements of the feeding devices. The said finger or plate isthe guide, against which the edge ofthe work is set, and its positiondetermines the position of the line of stitches with reference to saidedge. To vary the distance of the stitches from the edge of the work,devices are provided for adj usting the plate in different positions atright angles to the movement of the work. Supported in suitable bearingsla', Fig. 2, is a rod K', which is movable longitudinally of the machineand in a path at right angles to the movement of the work, and anoperating bellcrank lever K2 is pivoted at k2 to a boss k2, fixed uponthe plate which supports the said bearings 7c. The short arm 7020 ofsaid lever K2 (see Fig. 2) is movably connected with one end of a linkK2, the other end of which is in turn mov-ably connected with the rodK', as by a fixed collar 7920 or other projection. From the constructionit will be seen that whenever the free end K20 of the lever K2 iscarried outward or toward the operator the rod K' is moved in thedirection of the needle and that said rod is carried in the oppositedirection whenever the free end of the said lever is carried in thedirection of the shaft H or away from the' operator. It is necessaryvery often to vary the position of the line of stitches gradually whilethe machine is in operation and without changing the position of thehands upon the work, thus requiring a crossfeed for coperation with theusual longitudinal feed. This may be readily done, for theoperating-lever K2 extends from its pivotal point 7a2 toward thatportion of the work-table A upon which the work rests, and the free endof the lever is in such position, adjacent to the longitudinal feed andsewing devices, that the operator may use one of the fingers of theright hand to manipulate the lever and to adjust the position of theguideplate K, while at the same time the hand remains near the work. Inorder that the operating-lever K2 may be secured in place, if desired,whenever an adjustment or change in the position of the guide-plate ismade, I make the lever of spring material and of such strength as to bedepressible by pressure of the finger of the operator upon its free endK20, and on the lever is an upturned flange or edge K21, which engagesin any one of a series of notches K4 in the under side of a IOO `upperend of the knife-rod L'.

fixed bar K2?, secured in position in any suitable way. The normaltendency of the said lever Kzis to spring upward against the said barK22, so that as soon as the pressure of the finger upon the free end ofthe lever is relieved the said flange or edge K21 enters one of thenotches of the bar, and thereby locks the lever and guide-plate inposition.

With a little practice the operator is enabled to effect the properadjustments quickly without difficulty and without stopping the machineor interrupting continuous sewing. The end of the bar K' nearest theneedle is slotted at m, and the guide K is inserted in the slot andfastened t0 the bar b y means of a screw n. In this way guides ofdifferent forms and sizes can be used interchangeably, and I am thusenabled in some cases to fasten a hemming-guide to the end of the saidbar and can change the position of the folded vedge of an upper layerwith reference to the edge of a lower layer of a piece of work. I canalso, if desired, make the guide-plate adjustable relative to the barwhich carries the same.

lu this machine I provide also a trimmingknife L, which is adapted totrim the edge of the work and moves vertically into and through a narrowslot in the work-table A. This knife has a dat blade with a cutting edgeset at a cutting angle on the entering side thereof with reference tothe work-table. (See Fig. 3.) The knife is xed in the end of a knife-rodL', which moves vertically in suitable guides in the frame A' of themachine and is operated, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. l, by abell-crank lever L2, pivoted at Z2 to a bracket 220, extending upwardlyfrom the top of the frame A'. One member of the bell-crank level` L2 issubstantially horizontal and passes through a slot in the The other armof the bell-crank lever has a pin 21, which extends horizontally into awaved groove Z3 in a cam-Wheel L3 upon a shaft M, extending lengthwiseof the machine and substantially parallel to the shaft B. The shaft M isoperated in the usual and Well-known manner from the driving-pulleys(not shown) and is the same shaft which operates the crank-plate J2,having the crank-pin J3 connected by a link J4 to a collar J5 upon theneedle-bar J, and whereby the latter is operated.

What I claim isl. In a sewing-machine, a lower feed mechanism havingboth a vertical and a horizontal motion; and an upper feed mechanismcomprising a rock-shaft above the levelof the work-plate, and an upperfeed-dog on said rock-shaft oscillating in an arc whose plane issubstantially vertical, and a verticallyswinging frame for vibratingsaid rock-shaft to and from the lower feed mechanism substantially asdescribed.

2. In a sewing-machine, a lower feed mechanism having both a verticaland a horizontal motion; and an upper feed mechanism comprising arock-shaft above the level of the work-plate, and an upper feed-dog onsaid rock-shaft oscillating in an arc whose plane is substantiallyvertical, and a verticallyswinging frame for vibrating said rockshaft toand from the lower feed mechanism; and a spring connection between saidframe and said rock-shaft adapted to permit the rockshaft to tilt inorder to adapt the position of the upper feed-dog automatically todiiferent thicknesses of work substantially as described.

3. In a sewing-machine, a lower feed mechanism having both a verticaland a horizontal motion; an upper feed mechanism having correspondingmotions and comprising a swinging frame mounted on a suitable axis, arockshaft supported by said frame and carrying the upper feed-dog, anarm loosely mounted on the axis of the frame and connected to theoperating mechanism, and a spring secured to the frame and exerting apressure upon the arm substantially as described.

4. In a sewing-machine, a lower feed mechanism having both a verticaland a horizontal motion; an upper feed mechanism having correspondingmotions and comprising a swinging frame mounted on a suitable axis, arockshaft supported by said frame and carrying the upper feed-dog, anarm loosely mounted on the axis of the frame, formed at its inner endwith a lug or shoulder, and connected at its outer end with theoperating mechanism, a set-screw passing through the frame and engagedby the shoulder, and an elastic connection between the frame and theouter end of the arm substantially as described.

5. In asewing-machine, a lower feed mechanism having both a vertical anda horizontal motion; and an upper feed mechanism comprising avertically-swinging frame having a yielding resistance, and an upperfeed-dog supported by said frame and having an independent horizontalmotion substantially as described.

In a sewing-machine, a lower feed mechanism having both a vertical and ahorizontal motion; and an upper feed mechanism comprising a swingingframe, an upper feed-dog supported by said frame and having anindependent horizontal motion, and means for Varying the extent of thehorizontal motions of both the said mechanisms substantially asdescribed.

7. In asewing-machine, a feed mechanism; and an adjustable cross-feedguide mechanism for the work operated upon, comprising thelongitudinally-movable guide-bar K', the spring-lever K2 extendingsubstantially in the same direction as the bar K', and connected to saidguide-banthe notched holderbar K22, and means upon said lever for en-IOS IIO

ISO

@aging the notches of said bar,l whereby the notched bar, an operatinghand-lever of resilient material and normally pressed against said bar,a projection on said lever for enro gagingthe notches of the b ar, and alink conneoting one arm of 'the lever with the rod substantially asdescribed.

STLLMAN A. WEST.

Witnesses: C. R. OsGoOD, L. C. DENNINGTON

